Groundviews
Award-winning civic media from Sri Lanka. Groundviews is a citizens journalism website based in Sri Lanka.
The site uses a range of genres and media to highlight alternative perspectives on governance, human rights, the arts and literature, peace-building and other issues.
Hakka patas (a cynical Sinhala term which translates as jaw breaker) are small improvised explosive devices, also known as a Homemade Explosive Device (HED), which consist of gun powder, stones, lead and iron shaped into a ball. They are made among the rural agrarian villages in the Northern and North Eastern part of Sri Lanka for the purpose of keeping wild animals, including elephants, away from the crops.
https://groundviews.org/2024/04/11/hakka-patas-the-bane-of-elephants-in-sri-lanka/
Hakka Patas: The Bane of Elephants in Sri Lanka Photo courtesy of Sri Lanka News Hakka patas (a cynical Sinhala term which translates as jaw breaker) are small improvised explosive devices, also known as a Homemade Explosive Device (HED), which …
During 30 protests between March 2022 and June 2023, Sri Lanka’s law enforcement personnel did not adhere to international law and standards, using excessive force against peaceful protesters in at least 17 protests by using water cannon, tear gas and batons, according to a new investigative report by Amnesty International titled Ready to Suppress Any Protest Sri Lanka: Unlawful Use of Weapons During Protests.
https://groundviews.org/2024/04/10/protecting-protesters-is-the-duty-of-the-state/
Protecting Protesters is the Duty of the State Photo courtesy of New York Times During 30 protests between March 2022 and June 2023, Sri Lanka’s law enforcement personnel did not adhere to international law and standards, using excessive force …
Two years after the aragalaya, which ousted President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in 2022, Sri Lankans are still bearing the brunt of an economic crisis. When President Rajapaksa came to power in November 2019, the country’s foreign reserves stood at nearly $8 billion. By the end of the following year, that number had fallen to less than $4 billion and by December 2021, it was down to less than $2 billion.
https://groundviews.org/2024/04/09/is-sri-lanka-capitalizing-on-economic-disaster/
Is Sri Lanka Capitalizing on Economic Disaster? Photo courtesy of The Leader “For the powerful, crimes are those that others commit.” Noam Chomsky, Imperial Ambitions: Conversations on the Post-9/11 World Two years after the aragalaya, which ous…
Most of the women in Sri Lanka are unwilling to engage in economic activities in the formal sector due to their social responsibilities and cultural barriers. However, they are engaging with small and medium or micro enterprises to enhance their household income. In this context, digitalisation provides more opportunities for women to increase their accessibility to the market and build financial networks.
https://groundviews.org/2024/04/08/empowering-women-in-the-digital-economy/
Empowering Women in the Digital Economy Photo courtesy of The digital economy can be identified as converting the traditional market into a virtual platform. American scientist D. Tapscott, who is the author of the book titled The Digit…
The handbasket’s full. Really.
There’s no room at the inn,
my friend. Thirty five thousand
souls blown off the Gaza Strip
https://groundviews.org/2024/04/06/hernia-in-hell/
Hernia in Hell Photo courtesy of Foreign Policy The handbasket’s full. Really. There’s no room at the inn, my friend. Thirty five thousand souls blown off the Gaza Strip since October, 1500 from Por…
In all conflicts around the world, women are deeply affected. Sri Lanka’s 26 year civil war is no exception. Women in the war torn areas have faced violence, sexual abuse, displacement and loss of family and property; they have witnessed the very tearing of the fabric of their society.
https://groundviews.org/2024/04/06/women-in-the-north-fight-against-a-patriarchal-society-for-survival/
Women in the North Fight Against a Patriarchal Society for Survival In all conflicts around the world, women are deeply affected. Sri Lanka’s 26 year civil war is no exception. Women in the war torn areas have faced violence, sexual abuse, displacement and loss of …
In a progressive move, Sri Lanka has shed ambiguity in its child protection laws with an amendment transforming the Children and Young Persons’ Ordinance into the Children’s Ordinance. Crucially, the amendment raises the age of protection from 16 to 18, aligning with global child rights standards. This landmark change strengthens the juvenile justice system and promises better outcomes for youth.
https://groundviews.org/2024/04/04/a-milestone-for-child-rights/
A Milestone for Child Rights Photo courtesy of IPS In a progressive move, Sri Lanka has shed ambiguity in its child protection laws with an amendment transforming the Children and Young Persons’ Ordinance into the Childr…
Diego Garcia, one of the Chagos Islands which are still controlled by Britain, has become a hell for Sri Lankan Tamil refugees who are trapped on this remote Indian Ocean island. The Chagos Islands is Britain’s last African colony, a reminder that colonialism has not been entirely defeated.
https://groundviews.org/2024/04/02/mistreatment-of-tamil-refugees-on-chagos-islands-under-illegal-british-occupation/
Mistreatment of Tamil Refugees on Chagos Islands Under Illegal British Occupation Photo courtesy of Rakesh Peddibhotla Diego Garcia, one of the Chagos Islands which are still controlled by Britain, has become a hell for Sri Lankan Tamil refugees who are trapped on this remote I…
Relatives of those who have been forcibly disappeared are waiting for their missing loved ones to come home. They spend every minute of their lives with faith, and with the memories of the loved ones who have been taken from them. They have managed to save and protect belongings that remind them of their loved ones amidst various troubles, interact with them, and live with them. This is a virtual memorial created with such objects and the stories behind them.
https://groundviews.org/2024/04/01/memories-of-loved-ones-virtual-memorial/
Memories of Loved Ones | Virtual Memorial Photo courtesy of Selvaraja Rajasegar Relatives of those who have been forcibly disappeared are waiting for their missing loved ones to come home. They spend every minute of their lives with faith…
The ongoing Constitutional reform process in Sri Lanka garners moderate awareness among its citizens, with nearly half expressing familiarity, a trend particularly pronounced among Tamil and Malaiyaha Tamil communities, showcasing a notable increase in awareness over the past eight years from 2016 to 2024.
Based on data by Centre for Policy Alternatives - Social Indicator (March 2024)
Despite 14 years passing since the conclusion of the conflict between security forces and the LTTE, reconciliation efforts in post-war Sri Lanka remain incomplete, with a majority of Sri Lankans expressing dissatisfaction with the government's progress, a sentiment shared across ethnic communities and showing an increase from previous survey results.
Based on data by Centre for Policy Alternatives - Social Indicator (March 2024)
Recent survey findings conducted by the Centre for Policy Alternatives - Social Indicator in March 2024 underscore the critical role of public trust in democratic institutions, revealing a stark contrast in trust levels among various entities in Sri Lanka, posing significant challenges to the country's democratic governance.
Based on data by Centre for Policy Alternatives - Social Indicator (March 2024)
Despite a consistent commitment to democracy among Sri Lankans, recent survey findings reveal a notable minority supporting authoritarian rule, particularly during periods of political instability, highlighting the potential for shifts in governance preferences amidst democratic frustrations.
Based on data by Centre for Policy Alternatives - Social Indicator (March 2024)
All social science research is done for someone and some purpose. There is no politically neutral social science. The political agenda behind this article is my concern about the fate of the underprivileged in Sri Lanka. In post-colonial Sri Lanka, we have seen violence and state repression because of these issues.
https://groundviews.org/2024/03/29/reflections-on-social-justice-and-pluralism/
Reflections on Social Justice and Pluralism Photo courtesy of The Federal All social science research is done for someone and some purpose. There is no politically neutral social science. The political agenda behind this article is my concer…
The Institute for Health Policy’s (IHP) Sri Lanka Opinion Tracker Survey (SLOTS) MRP provisional estimates of presidential election voting intent in February 2024 show no real changes compared to January. NPP/JVP leader A.K. Dissanayake continues to lead with the support of 53% of all adults followed by SJB leader Sajith Premadasa on 34%, President Ranil Wickremesinghe at 6% (-2) and a generic SLPP candidate at 7% (-1).
https://groundviews.org/2024/03/29/a-k-dissanayake-in-the-lead-for-president/
A.K. Dissanayake in the Lead for President Photo courtesy of Counterpoint The Institute for Health Policy’s (IHP) Sri Lanka Opinion Tracker Survey (SLOTS) MRP provisional estimates of presidential election voting intent in February 2024 sho…
Pre-1971 JVP saw a presence of women cadres that could be considered modest. Before the April 1971 uprising there were full time and part time women cadres active within the movement. The Socialist Women’s Front laid the foundation necessary for women’s involvement in the JVP. Post uprising rebuilding efforts expanded the women’s network.
https://groundviews.org/2024/03/28/gender-equality-and-empowerment-of-women-lessons-from-the-jvps-evolution/
Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women: Lessons from the JVP’s Evolution Photo courtesy of Ada Derana Pre-1971 JVP saw a presence of women cadres that could be considered modest. Before the April 1971 uprising there were full time and part time women cadres active withi…
The latest estimates from Institute for Health Policy’s (IHP) SLOTS MRP model show modest increases in support for NPP/JVP and SJB, with weakening support for the UNP and other parties, continuing trends since July 2023. NPP/JVP lead with 44% (+2) support of Sri Lankan adult voters, followed by SJB with 30% (+1), the SLPP at 9% (+1), the UNP at 4% (-1) and ITAK at 4% (unchanged).
https://groundviews.org/2024/03/28/modest-gains-in-voter-support-for-npp-jvp-and-sjb/
Modest Gains in Voter Support for NPP/JVP and SJB Photo courtesy of ANFREL The latest estimates from Institute for Health Policy’s (IHP) SLOTS MRP model show modest increases in support for NPP/JVP and SJB, with weakening support for the UNP and o…
The recent UN Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza from which the US, not surprisingly, abstained marks a crossroads in the history of Israel and the future of Palestine. The resolution was motivated, among other developments, by Israel’s massive military build up and its impending invasion of Rafah, a thin stretch of land by the Gaza-Egypt border where more than a million Palestinians, driven from their homes by the IDF’s ruthless attacks, lie huddled, uncertain of what may happen to them.
https://groundviews.org/2024/03/27/four-takeaways-from-the-un-security-council-resolution-on-gaza/
Four Takeaways from the UN Security Council Resolution on Gaza Photo courtesy of BBC The recent UN Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza from which the US, not surprisingly, abstained marks a crossroads in the history of Israel and the fu…
Although Sri Lanka’s long running civil war ended 15 years ago, people in the north face many problems in post conflict times. Dr Mahendran Thiruvarangan, senior lecturer in English Literature at the University of Jaffna and member of the Jaffna People's Forum for Coexistence, speaks about the difficulties in implementing the Transitional Justice process necessary for sustainable peace and reconciliation.
Click on the link below to watch the full interview.
Northern Perspective on Transitional Justice Although Sri Lanka’s long running civil war ended 15 years ago, people in the north face many problems in post conflict times. Dr Mahendran Thiruvarangan, se...
People of Tamil descent raised on plantations have endured a long history of discrimination, exploitation and violence tracing back to the era of colonization. The younger generation, both men and women, expresses a preference for employment opportunities in urban areas or Middle Eastern countries as laborers rather than on plantations.
https://groundviews.org/2024/03/25/identity-crisis-of-the-malaiyaha-thamilar-community/
Identity Crisis of the Malaiyaha Thamilar Community Photo by Ama Koralage People of Tamil descent raised on plantations have endured a long history of discrimination, exploitation and violence tracing back to the era of colonization. The younger gen…
The long lines at fuel stations have disappeared as have the frequent power outages; it’s almost as if the economic crisis is a thing of the past. For Colombo’s working class poor it is anything but. The last few years have brought upon crisis after crisis, leaving many families at breaking point struggling to put a meal, let alone three, on the table today.
https://groundviews.org/2024/03/25/the-crisis-is-far-from-over-for-colombos-poor/
The Crisis Is Far From Over For Colombo’s Poor Photo courtesy of Al Jazeera The long lines at fuel stations have disappeared as have the frequent power outages; it’s almost as if the economic crisis is a thing of the past. For Colombo’s w…
In Gaza, most families have suffered a violent death in the last five months. According to a March survey by the Palestinian Centre for Survey Research, 60% of Gazans have lost at least one family member since Israeli offensive began. More than 32,142 reported deaths as I write. Seventy percent of the victims are women and children.
https://groundviews.org/2024/03/24/gaza-in-end-times/
Gaza in End Times Photo courtesy of CNBC “Whether the victims of October 7th in Israel or the ongoing attack on Gaza, all the victims of dehumanisation, how do we resist?” Jonathan Glazer, director of The Zone of In…
The world is becoming less democratic and more autocratic (i.e. authoritarian). One of the best sources of information is the annual Democracy Report issued by the V-Dem Institute in Sweden. The Institute continuously measures the extent to which national governments are either democratic or authoritarian and the directions in which they are moving.
https://groundviews.org/2024/03/23/democracy-in-sri-lanka-backsliding-or-inching-forward/
Democracy in Sri Lanka: Backsliding or Inching Forward? Photo courtesy of The Island The world is becoming less democratic and more autocratic (i.e. authoritarian). One of the best sources of information is the annual Democracy Report issued by the V-De…
Exploitation of women continues within patriarchal societies and marriages. Forced marriages is one of the more notorious examples; the most extreme version of this, is a form of modern day slavery. In 2017, the International Labour Organization (ILO) designated this in its statistics for the first time. Recent estimates indicate that 22 million people globally are living under forced marriages.
https://groundviews.org/2024/03/21/capitalism-and-empowerment-of-women/
Capitalism and Empowerment of Women Photo courtesy of IPS Exploitation of women continues within patriarchal societies and marriages. Forced marriages is one of the more notorious examples; the most extreme version of this, is a form…
The publishing of ousted President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s memoirs, almost predictably titled The Conspiracy to oust me from the presidency, provide an opportunity to reevaluate those tumultuous events that did led to the fleeing abroad of the former president in 2022 and his resignation including the political discourse that arose from the aragalaya. The political discourse of the aragalaya is relevant, as we come to the constitutionally mandated presidential election year of 2024.
https://groundviews.org/2024/03/20/the-aragalaya-and-a-vote-of-no-confidence-on-the-speaker/
The Aragalaya and a Vote of No Confidence on the Speaker Photo courtesy of Onlanka The publishing of ousted President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s memoirs, almost predictably titled The Conspiracy to oust me from the presidency, provide an opportunity to reevalu…
Mannar Island transcends the realm of a mere tourist destination. It’s a living tapestry woven with threads of breathtaking natural beauty, a profound historical heritage and a vibrant cultural diversity that has flourished for millennia. Yet amid the island’s serene shores and ancient whispers, a silent war brews – a battle between the promise of economic progress and the imperative of environmental preservation.
https://groundviews.org/2024/03/19/mannar-island-a-paradise-at-the-crossroads/
Mannar Island: A Paradise At the Crossroads Photo courtesy of Hotel Mannar Mannar Island transcends the realm of a mere tourist destination. It’s a living tapestry woven with threads of breathtaking natural beauty, a profound historica…
The end of the World War also marked the beginning of the petroleum era. And it did not take too long for the new super power to realize that its imperial mastery depended very much on controlling that vital resource, which happened to be buried under the sandy deserts of the Arabian Peninsula.
https://groundviews.org/2024/03/19/us-israel-faustian-bargain/
US-Israel Faustian Bargain Photo courtesy of DW “When the population of six cities and many villages is tortured daily in front of the whole world, and when those perpetrating these crimes are granted immunity, then we have …
Behind front doors
of friends and compatriots
in Port Au Prince, we listen
to evening prayers
https://groundviews.org/2024/03/19/the-question-seller/
The Question Seller Photo courtesy of NBC News Behind front doors of friends and compatriots in Port Au Prince, we listen to evening prayers and the silence of fear, and observe the strength of resistance again…
V. V. Ganeshananthan, also known as Sugi, is the author of the novels Brotherless Night and Love Marriage, which was longlisted for the Women’s Prize and named one of the best books of the year by The Washington Post. She teaches at the University of Minnesota, where she is an associate professor of English.
https://groundviews.org/2024/03/16/v-v-ganeshananthan-powerful-stories-from-a-civil-war/
V.V. Ganeshananthan: Powerful Stories From a Civil War Photo courtesy of The Bookseller V.V. Ganeshananthan, also known as Sugi, is the author of the novels Brotherless Night and Love Marriage, which was longlisted for the Women’s Prize and named one o…
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